After tragedy, local woman organizes

Posted on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 2:00 am

By Katherine Cross
Contributor

On February 26, 2005, our son Paul was shot in the chest and arm during an attempted home invasion. He was helicoptered to Fairfax Inova and miraculously survived. When Paul came home he began suffering what I now know is Post Traumatic Stress. Then 44 days later, Paul died in his back yard of a drug overdose of pain medication. To date, his shooting has not been solved. If you go to Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office website under crime line, we have a poster there. Paul is sorely missed by everyone! On April 11, 2013 Paul will be gone from us eight years. His death has changed our lives forever.
We started this event five years ago to remember Paul and all those who have lost their lives or been affected by violent crime. We light candles to promote awareness of the effects of violence in our community. The event is held every year in April during National Crime Victims Rights Week.
From the onset I have received full cooperation from the Westmoreland Sheriffs Department and all County and State local offices as well as community and family members, who have offered any help that I needed. Without everyone’s help, I would not be able to hold this event.